TW202333973A - Electric seatpost assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric seatpost assembly comprises a first member, a second member, a positioning structure, a controller, and a switch unit. The second member is movably coupled to the first member so as to change a length of the electric seat post assembly. The positioning structure is configured to position the second member relative to the first member. The controller is to control the positioning structure. The switch unit is provided on one of the first member and the second member to transmit at least one electric signal to the controller.

Description

Electric seat column assembly

The present invention relates to an electric seat post assembly for a bicycle.

Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation and transportation. Furthermore, cycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether bicycles are used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of bicycles. One bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned is the electric seatpost assembly.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an electric seat column assembly includes a first component, a second component, a positioning structure, a controller, and a switch unit. The second member is movably coupled to the first member to change the length of the electric seat post assembly. The positioning structure is configured to position the second member relative to the first member. The controller is used to control the positioning structure. The switch unit is disposed on one of the first component and the second component to transmit at least one electrical signal to the controller.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the first aspect, it is possible to change the length of the electric seat post assembly without having a remote switch adjacent to the bicycle handlebar. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the wiring between the switch unit and the controller and/or to reduce the number of components of the electric base column assembly.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an electric seat post assembly according to the first aspect is constructed such that the switch unit includes a push button or a lever.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the second aspect, it is possible to manually change the length of the electric seat post assembly.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the electric seat post assembly according to the first aspect is constructed so that the switch unit is at least partially disposed on the electric seat post assembly in a state where the electric seat post assembly is installed on the bicycle frame. of the front side.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the third aspect, it is possible to dispose the switch unit at a position where the rider can easily operate the switch unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the electric base column assembly according to the third aspect is constructed so that the switch unit includes a forwardly extending operating member.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to dispose the switch unit at a position where the rider can easily operate the switch unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the electric seat post assembly according to the fourth aspect is constructed so that the operating member can move upward.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to easily operate the switch unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the electric base column assembly according to the fourth or fifth aspect is constructed so that the operating member is movable in a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to use the first direction and the second direction for at least one operation.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the electric seat post assembly according to the sixth aspect is constructed such that the controller responds to the first operation of the operating member being moved in the first direction and the operating member being moved in the second direction. The second operates both to control the positioning structure in the same way.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to use the first direction and the second direction according to the rider's preference.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the electric seat column assembly according to the sixth aspect is constructed such that the controller responds to the first operation of the operating member being moved in the first direction and the operating member being moved in the second direction. The second operation controls the positioning structure in a different manner.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to perform different controls with the first operating member.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the electric seat post assembly according to the eighth aspect is constructed such that the controller is configured to extend the length of the electric seat post assembly in response to the first operation. The controller is configured to shorten the length of the electric seat post assembly in response to the second operation.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to extend and shorten the electric seat post assembly with an operating member. Furthermore, it is possible that the first direction and the second direction correspond to the upward direction and the downward direction respectively. That is, it is possible to correspond the operating direction of the operating member to the extending and retracting directions of the electric seat column assembly.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, an electric seat post assembly according to the eighth aspect is constructed such that the controller is configured to actuate the positioning structure for a first period of time in response to the first operation. The controller is configured to actuate the positioning structure for a second period of time in response to the second operation. The first period is different from the second period.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to change the length of the seat post assembly in one operation based on the period during which the positioning structure is activated.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, an electric seat post assembly according to the eighth aspect is constructed such that the positioning structure includes an actuator to change the relative position between the first member and the second member. The controller is configured to control the positioning structure to move the actuator a first amount in response to the first operation. The controller is configured to control the positioning structure to move the actuator a second amount different from the first amount in response to the second operation.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to change the movement amount of the actuator (for example, the valve opening area) to change the movement speed of the second member based on the movement amount of the actuator.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the electrical base post assembly according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is constructed such that the switch unit is constructed to continuously transmit at least one telecommunication signal when the switch unit is operated. No.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible for the rider to set the length of the electric seat post assembly by stopping the switch unit.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the electrical base post assembly according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is constructed such that the switching unit is constructed to convert at least one electrical signal to a predetermined value for one operation of each switching unit. Transmit during the transmission period.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible for the rider to operate the switch unit in a short amount of time. Therefore, it is possible to complete the operation of the switch unit before the electric seat column assembly completes changing its length according to the operation of the switch unit.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, an electric seat post assembly according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects is constructed such that the positioning structure includes an actuator to change the distance between the first member and the second member. relative position. The controller is configured to control the positioning structure to move the actuator for a predetermined actuation period in response to at least one electrical signal transmitted for each operation of the switching unit.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible for the rider to operate the switch unit in a short amount of time. Therefore, it is possible to complete the operation of the switch unit before the electric seat column assembly completes changing its length according to the operation of the switch unit.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the electric base column assembly according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is constructed so that the switch unit includes an operating member movable between a rest position and an operating position. The operating member is biased to the rest position.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible for the rider to easily operate the switch unit because the switch unit is positioned in a stable position after the rider starts operating the switch unit.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the electric seat post assembly according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is constructed such that the switch unit includes a seat detector to detect riding on the second member .

Using the electric seat post assembly according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to control the length of the electric seat post assembly based on riding information.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the electric seat post assembly according to the sixteenth aspect is constructed such that the seat detector is configured to detect a riding posture on the second member to transmit at least one electrical signal. The controller is configured to control the positioning structure in response to at least one electrical signal.

Utilizing the electric seat post assembly according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible for the rider to change the length of the electric seat post assembly by changing the riding posture according to the pedaling conditions.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the electric seat post assembly according to the seventeenth aspect is constructed such that at least one electrical signal includes an extension signal to extend the length of the electric seat post assembly. The seat detector is configured to transmit an extension signal to the controller in response to detection of the first riding position.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible for the rider to extend the length of the electric seat post assembly by riding the bicycle in the first riding posture.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, an electrical seat post assembly according to the eighteenth aspect is constructed such that at least one electrical signal includes a trigger signal. The seat detector is configured to transmit a trigger signal to the controller in response to detection of unloading on the second member. The controller is configured to control the positioning structure to extend the length of the electric seat column assembly in response to the trigger signal after receiving the extension signal.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to extend the electric seat post assembly smoothly because it is possible to start extending the electric seat post assembly by unloading on the second member.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, an electrical seat post assembly according to the nineteenth aspect is constructed such that at least one of the electrical signals includes a cancel signal. The seat detector is configured to transmit a cancellation signal to the controller in response to detection of a second riding position different from the first riding position. The controller is configured to cancel the command based on the stretch signal in response to the cancel signal before receiving the trigger signal.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to prevent the electric seat post assembly from being stretched when the riding posture is changed.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, an electric seat post assembly according to any one of the seventeenth to twentieth aspects is constructed such that at least one electrical signal includes a retraction signal to retract the electric seat post assembly. Length shortened. The seat detector is configured to transmit a retraction signal to the controller in response to detection of the third riding position.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the twenty-first aspect, it is possible for the rider to shorten the length of the electric seat post assembly by riding the bicycle in the second riding posture.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the electrical seat post assembly according to the sixteenth aspect is constructed such that at least one electrical signal includes an extension signal to extend the length of the electrical seat post assembly. The seat detector is configured to transmit an extension signal to the controller in response to detection of one of loading and unloading on the second member.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the twenty-second aspect, it is possible to control the length of the electric bicycle assembly in a relatively simple manner among the ways in which the length of the electric seat post assembly is controlled based on the riding posture.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the electric seat post assembly according to the twenty-second aspect is constructed such that the controller is configured to control the positioning structure in response to the extension signal when the seat detector detects an unloaded state. to extend the length of the electric seat post assembly.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the twenty-third aspect, it is possible to prevent the electric seat post assembly from being elongated in a situation where a load is applied to the electric seat post assembly. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load on the actuator.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the electric seat post assembly according to the sixteenth aspect is constructed such that at least one electrical signal includes a retraction signal to shorten the length of the electric seat post assembly. The seat detector is configured to transmit a retraction signal to the controller in response to detection of one of loading and unloading on the second member. The controller is configured to control the positioning structure to shorten the length of the electric seat post assembly in response to the retraction signal.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the twenty-fourth aspect, it is possible to control the length of the electric bicycle assembly in a relatively simple manner among the ways in which the length of the electric seat post assembly is controlled based on the riding posture.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the electric seat post assembly according to any one of the first to twenty-fourth aspects is constructed such that the positioning structure is constructed to position the second member relative to the first member such that The predetermined first length and the predetermined second length that are different from the predetermined first length are implemented as the length of the electric seat post assembly.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the twenty-fifth aspect, it is possible to change the length of the electric seat post assembly between two lengths. Therefore, it is possible to change the length of the electric seat post assembly using only one type of electrical signal.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the electric base column assembly according to any one of the first to twenty-fifth aspects is constructed such that the switch unit is constructed to provide a click feeling when the switch unit is operated.

Using the electric seat post assembly according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the rider can easily identify the operation of the electric seat post assembly.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the electric seat post assembly according to any one of the first to twenty-sixth aspects is constructed such that the first member includes a first tube. The second member includes a second tube configured to be telescopically coupled to the first tube.

With the electric seat post assembly according to the twenty-seventh aspect, it is possible to change the length of the electric seat post assembly without having a remote switch adjacent to the bicycle handlebar. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the wiring between the switch unit and the controller and/or to reduce the number of components of the electric base column assembly.

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or equivalent elements throughout the various figures. First embodiment

FIG. 1 shows an example of a bicycle 1 including an electric seat post assembly 10 . The bicycle 1 includes a bicycle frame 2, two rotatable wheels (front wheel 3 and rear wheel 4) coupled to the bicycle frame 2, a handlebar 5 for turning the front wheel 3, a seat 6, a battery 7, and Electric seat column assembly 10.

In this application, the following directional terms "front", "back", "forward", "backward", "left", "right", "crosswise", "upward" and "downward", and Any other similar directional terms refer to those directions based on the rider sitting on the seat 6 of the bicycle 1 and facing the handlebars 5 . Accordingly, the terms used to describe the electric seatpost assembly 10 should be interpreted relative to a bicycle 1 equipped with the electric seatpost assembly 10 when used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface.

As seen in FIG. 2 , the electric seat column assembly 10 includes a first component 12 , a second component 14 , a positioning structure 16 , a controller 18 , and a switch unit 20 . The second member 14 is movably coupled to the first member 20 to change the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 . The length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 is changed between the maximum length L1 and the minimum length L2. The first member 12 includes a first tube 12t. The second member 14 includes a second tube 14t configured to be telescopically coupled to the first tube 12t. The first pipe member 12t and the second pipe member 14t extend in the expansion and contraction direction Dt. The second component 14 includes the seat 6 . The positioning structure 16 is configured to position the second member 14 relative to the first member 12 . The positioning structure 16 includes an actuator 16a to change the relative position between the first member 12 and the second member 14.

In this embodiment, actuator 16a includes a direct current (DC) motor. The actuator 16a includes a rotation shaft (not shown) to output rotational force. Other examples of actuators 16a include stepper motors, alternating current (AC) motors, and electromagnetic coils. The positioning structure 16 includes a linear motion conversion mechanism 16b to convert the rotation of the motor into linear motion in the telescopic direction Dt. The actuator 16a is attached to one of the first member 12 and the second member 14. In the illustrated embodiment, actuator 16a is attached to first member 12 , but actuator 16a can be attached to second member 14 . The rotational shaft of the actuator 16a is coupled to the linear motion conversion mechanism 16b via a gear reducer (not shown). The linear motion conversion mechanism 16b is connected to the other one of the first member 12 and the second member 14.

As seen in FIG. 2 , the linear motion conversion mechanism 16 b includes a ball screw 161 rotated by a motor and a female screw 162 that is engaged with the ball screw and attached to the first member 12 and the second member 14 to move the other one of the first member 12 and the second member 14 in the telescopic direction Dt according to the rotation of the ball screw 161 . However, the linear motion conversion mechanism 16b can include a pinion rotated by the actuator 16a and a rack engaged with the pinion and attached in the first member 12 and the second member 14 The other one is to move the other one of the first member 12 and the second member 14 in the expansion and contraction direction Dt according to the rotation of the pinion gear. If the actuator 16 is an electromagnetic coil, the linear motion conversion mechanism 16b can be a rod movable in the telescopic direction Dt.

The controller 18 is used to control the positioning structure 16 . Rather, the controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 based on the rider's operation of the switch unit 20 . Detailed features of controller 18 are described below. The switch unit 20 is disposed on one of the first component 12 and the second component 14 to transmit at least one electrical signal ES to the controller 18 . Preferably, the switch unit 20 is arranged on the second member 14 closer to the rider. The switching unit 20 is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal ES based on the rider operation of the switching unit 20 . The switching unit 20 is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal ES to the controller 18 via the control cable C1. However, the switch unit 20 can transmit at least one electrical signal ES to the controller 18 via wireless communication. The switch unit 20 includes a button or lever. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch unit 20 is shown as a rod connected to the second tube 14t.

As seen in FIG. 1 , the switch unit 20 is at least partially provided at the front side FS of the electric seat post assembly 10 in a state where the electric seat post assembly 10 is installed on the bicycle frame 2 . The front side FS is defined on the front side of the center plane CP of the electric seat post assembly 10 . The central plane CP is parallel to the central axis A1 of the first tube 12t and the second tube 14t and extends in the lateral direction DB1 of the bicycle 1 . More precisely, the switch unit 20 includes an operating member 20a. For example, the operating member 20a includes a lever. The operating member 20a is a part of the operator of the switch unit 20 that is manipulated during operation. The operating member 20a is pivotable about the pivot axis A2. The operating member 20a includes a proximal end portion 20b including a pivot axis A2 and a distal end portion 20c opposite the proximal end portion 20b. The distal end portion 20 c is provided at the front side FS of the electric seat post assembly 10 in a state where the electric seat post assembly 10 is installed on the bicycle frame 2 . Therefore, the operating member 20a extends forward.

The operating member 20a is movable in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 different from the first direction D1. More precisely, the operating member 20a is movable in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 about the pivot axis A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first direction D1 corresponds to the upward direction DB21 of the bicycle 1 . The second direction D2 corresponds to the downward direction DB22 of the bicycle 1 . The pivot axis A2 extends in the lateral direction DB1 of the bicycle 1 . Therefore, the operating member 20a can move upward. In other words, the operating member 20 a is movable toward the seat 6 . However, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 can be different directions from the upward direction DB21 and the downward direction DB22 respectively. For example, the first direction D1 can be the left direction DB11 , the second direction D2 can be the right direction DB12 , and the pivot axis A2 extends in the vertical direction DB2 of the bicycle 1 .

The operating member 20a is movable between a rest position P0 and an operating position (eg, P1 and P2). The operating member 20a is biased to the rest position P0. For example, the operating member 20a includes a helical torsion spring surrounding the pivot axis A2, which is not shown in the drawing. The operating member 20a is biased to the rest position P0 due to the restoring force of the coil torsion spring.

As seen in FIG. 2 , the switch unit 20 includes a processor PR1, a memory M1, and a rotation sensor PS1. The processor PR1, the memory M1, and the rotation sensor PS1 are connected to each other via the bus 20bu. Preferably, the processor PR1, the memory M1, the rotation sensor PS1, and the bus 20bu are provided in the second component 14. The processor PR1 is electrically connected to the memory M1. Processor PR1 includes a central processing unit (CPU). Memory M1 stores programs and other information. The memory M1 includes read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and a memory controller. For example, the program stored in the memory M1 is read into the processor PR1, whereby several functions of the switch unit 20 are executed. The rotation sensor PS1 can include a potentiometer, and non-contact rotation position sensors such as optical sensors (eg, rotary encoders) and magnetic sensors (eg, Hall sensors). The rotation sensor PS1 is configured to detect the rotation angle or rotation position of the operating member 20a. The processor PR1 generates an electrical signal ES based on the rotation angle or the rotation position of the operating member 20 a to transmit the electrical signal ES to the controller 18 .

As seen in Figure 2, controller 18 includes processor PR2, memory M2, position sensor PS2, and actuator driver AD1. Actuator 16a, position sensor PS2, actuator driver AD1, processor PR2, and memory M2 are connected to each other via bus 18b. The processor PR2 is electrically connected to the memory M2. Processor PR2 includes a central processing unit (CPU). Memory M2 stores programs and other information. The memory M2 includes read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and a memory controller. For example, the program stored in the memory M2 is read into the processor PR2, whereby several functions of the controller 18 are executed.

In order to determine the current state of the positioning structure 16 , the position sensor PS2 senses the current rotational position of the rotational shaft of the actuator 16a as the position of the second member 14 . Examples of positioning sensors PS2 include contact rotary position sensors such as potentiometers, and optical sensors (eg rotary encoders) and magnetic sensors (eg Hall sensors). Non-contact rotary position sensor. The current rotational position of the actuator 16a is stored in the memory M2. The processor PR2 generates a control signal based on the signal from the switch unit 20 and the current rotational position of the actuator 16a.

The actuator driver AD1 is configured to control the actuator 16a based on the control signal generated by the processor PR2. In this embodiment, the actuator driver AD1 controls the rotation direction and/or rotation speed of the actuator 16a based on the control signal generated by the processor PR2. The battery 7 is configured to provide power to the controller 18 and the switch unit 20 via the electric wire C2.

The controller 18 controls the positioning structure 16 in different ways in response to a first operation in which the operation member 20a is moved in the first direction D1 and a second operation in which the operation member 20a is moved in the second direction D2. Rather, the controller 18 is configured to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 in response to the first operation. The controller 18 is configured to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 in response to the second operation. For example, when the operating member 20a is moved in the first direction D1, the switch unit 20 transmits the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18, and the controller 18 controls the actuator 16a to move the electric seat column assembly in response to the extension signal CS1. The length L of 10 is stretched. When the operating member 20a is moved in the second direction D2, the switch unit 20 transmits the retraction signal CS2 to the controller 18, and the controller 18 controls the actuator 16a to move the electric seat column assembly in response to the retraction signal CS2. The length L of 10 is shortened.

In this case, the switching unit 20 is configured to continuously transmit at least one electrical signal ES in a situation where the switching unit 20 is operated. For example, the switch unit 20 is configured to continuously transmit the extension signal CS1 with the operating member 20a positioned at the operating position P1, and the controller 18 continuously controls the actuator with the controller 18 receiving the extension signal CS1. 16a to extend the length L of the electric seat column assembly 10. The switch unit 20 is configured to continuously transmit the retraction signal CS2 with the operating member 20a positioned at the operating position P2, and the controller 18 continuously controls the actuator with the controller 18 receiving the retraction signal CS2. 16a to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10.

Alternatively, the switching unit 20 is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal ES with a predetermined transmission time period for each operation of the switching unit 20 . For example, the switch unit 20 is configured to generate the stretch signal CS1 when the operating member 20a is moved in the first direction D1 or when the operating member 20a reaches the operating position P1 regardless of the time for maintaining the operating member 20a at the operating position P1. Delivered in a scheduled delivery period. The controller 18 controls the actuator 16a to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 to a predetermined height corresponding to the extension signal CS1. The switch unit 20 is configured to generate the retraction signal CS2 when the operating member 20a is moved in the second direction D2 or when the operating member 20a reaches the operating position P2 regardless of the time for maintaining the operating member 20a at the operating position P2. Deliver during a scheduled delivery period. The controller 18 continuously controls the actuator 16a to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 to a predetermined height corresponding to the retraction signal CS2.

In the above embodiment, the controller 18 is configured to continuously control the positioning structure 16 under the condition that the controller 18 receives at least one electrical signal ES from the switch unit 20 . However, the controller 18 can be configured to control the positioning structure 16 to move the actuator 16a for a predetermined actuation period in response to at least one electrical signal ES transmitted for each operation of the switching unit 20 . For example, once the controller 18 receives the stretch signal CS1 regardless of the length of time the controller 18 receives the stretch signal CS1, the controller 18 controls the actuator 16a to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 for a predetermined actuation period. Once the controller 18 receives the retraction signal CS2 regardless of the length of time the controller 18 receives the retraction signal CS2, the controller 18 controls the actuator 16 to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 by a predetermined actuation period. The predetermined actuation period can be preset or included in the extension signal CS1 and the retraction signal CS2. In this case, the controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to move the actuator 16a a first amount in response to the first operation. The controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to move the actuator 16a a second amount that is different from the first amount in response to the second operation. Specifically, the second quantity is the additive inverse of the first quantity.

With the electric seat post assembly 10 it is possible to change the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 without having a remote switch adjacent the handlebar 5 . Therefore, it is possible to simplify the wiring between the switch unit 20 and the controller 18 and/or to reduce the number of components of the electrical base post assembly 10 . Modifications of the first embodiment

In the first embodiment, the positioning structure 16 is configured to vary the length L of the electrical seat post assembly 10 between a maximum length L1 and a minimum length L2. However, the positioning structure 16 can be constructed to position the second member 14 relative to the first member 12 such that the predetermined first length L1 and the predetermined second length L2 that is different from the predetermined first length L1 are implemented as an electrical seat post assembly. 10 length L. This means that the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 is controlled to be only the predetermined first length L1 or the predetermined second length L2. The positioning structure 16 is not controlled to set the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 which is longer than the predetermined second length L2 and shorter than the predetermined first length L1. In this case, the operating member 20a can only move in the first direction D1, and the first direction D1 cannot be the upward direction DB21. The controller 18 is configured to extend or shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 based on the current length of the electric seat post assembly 10 in response to the first operation. For example, when the current length of the electric seat post assembly 10 is the maximum length L1, the controller 18 shortens the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 to the minimum length L2 in response to the first operation. When the current length of the electric seat post assembly 10 is the minimum length L2, the controller 18 responds to the first operation by extending the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 to the maximum length L1.

In the first embodiment, the switch unit 20 is shown as a lever. However, the switch unit 20 may be a button. In FIG. 3 , a button 21 is illustrated as another example of the switch unit 20 . The button 21 is provided at the front side FS of the electric seat post assembly 10 when the electric seat post assembly 10 is installed on the bicycle frame 2 . More precisely, the button 21 is provided in front of the seat 6 . Alternatively, the button 21 can be arranged vertically below the seat 6 when the electric seat post assembly 10 is installed on the bicycle frame 2 . More precisely, the button 21 is provided in front of the seat 6 . For example, the button 21 has substantially the same structure as a micro switch. Specifically, the button 21 includes the first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, the third terminal T3, the operating member 21a, the conductive leaf spring 21b, the contact point 21c, and the housing 21d. The first terminal is connected to the control cable C1. The second terminal T2 is connected to the battery 7 . Voltage (+V) is supplied from the battery 7 to the second terminal T2. The third terminal T3 is grounded. The operating member 21a is pushed by the rider during operation of the electric seat post assembly 10. The conductive leaf spring 21b is electrically connected to the first terminal T1 and the contact point 21c. The housing 21d is made of an insulating member and electrically insulates the first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, and the third terminal T3 from each other. When the operating member 21a is not pushed, the conductive leaf spring 21b is configured to connect the contact point 21c and the third terminal T3. When the operating member 21a is pushed, the conductive leaf spring 21b is configured to connect the contact point 21c and the second terminal T2 to transmit the voltage to the controller 18 as at least one electrical signal ES via the control cable C1. Since the switch unit 20 has such a structure, the switch unit 20 is constructed to provide a click feeling when the switch unit 20 is operated. Therefore, the rider can easily identify the operation of the electric seat post assembly 10 .

Furthermore, the switch unit 20 can have a simpler structure. For example, the switch unit 20 can have substantially the same structure as that of a toggle switch (a dual-output toggle switch or a three-output toggle switch). Since the structure of the toggle switch is well known, it will not be described and/or illustrated in detail here for the sake of brevity. In this case, the ON signal from the switch unit 20 can correspond to at least one of the extension signal CS1 and the retraction signal CS2. In the case where the switch unit 20 has substantially the same structure as a three-output toggle switch, the electric seat column assembly 10 can have a plurality of control cables C1, and the first communication signal and the second communication signal pass through a plurality of control cables C1. The control cable C1 is transported separately. The first connection signal can correspond to the stretch signal CS1. The second connection signal can correspond to the retraction signal CS2. Even though the switch unit 20 has such a structure, the switch unit 20 is constructed to provide a click feeling when the switch unit 20 is operated.

In the first embodiment, the controller 18 controls the positioning structure in different ways in response to the first operation of the operating member 20a being moved in the first direction D1 and the second operation of the operating member 20a being moved in the second direction D2. 16. However, the controller 18 can control the positioning structure 16 in the same manner in response to both the first operation of the operating member 20a being moved in the first direction D1 and the second operation of the operating member 20a being moved in the second direction D2. In this case, when the operating member 20a is moved in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, the switch unit 20 can transmit the same electrical signal ES. In addition, the operating member 20 a can be moved in a third direction different from the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 , or another operating member can be provided in the bicycle 1 . For example, the controller 18 can extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 in response to both the first operation and the second operation. The controller 18 can shorten the length L of the electric seat column assembly 10 when the operating member 20a is moved in the third direction or when another operating member is operated. Alternatively, the controller 18 can shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 in response to both the first operation and the second operation, and the controller 18 can be moved in a third direction with the operating member 20a, or otherwise. When an operating member is operated, the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 is shortened.

In addition, the positioning structure 16 can be constructed to position the two members 14 relative to the first member 12 such that the predetermined first length L1 and the predetermined second length L2 different from the predetermined first length L1 are implemented as the electric seat post assembly. In the case of the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 , the controller 18 is configured to extend or shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 10 based on the current length of the electric seat post assembly 10 in response to the first operation and the second operation. Second embodiment

The electric seat post assembly 110 provided according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 4 . The electric seat post assembly 10 in the first embodiment includes a mechanically driven telescopic seat post, while the electric seat post assembly 110 in the second embodiment includes a hydraulic telescopic seat post. Other structures and/or configurations of the electric seat post assembly 110 are substantially the same as those of the electric seat post assembly 10 . Therefore, elements having substantially the same functionality as elements of the first embodiment will be numbered identically here and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail again here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 4 , the electric seat post assembly 110 includes a first member 12 (first pipe member 12t), a second member 14 (second pipe member 14t), and a positioning structure 116. Positioning structure 116 includes actuator 16a, floating piston 24, rod 26, guide member 28, flow control component 30, and valve unit 32. The positioning structure 116 is configured to position the second member 14 relative to the first member 12 in the following mechanism.

The valve unit 32 divides the internal hole of the second pipe 14t into a first fluid chamber 34 and a second fluid chamber 36. The flow control member 30 is provided in the guide member 28 to move relative to the valve unit 32 in the telescopic direction Dt between the closed position P11 and the open position P12. The flow control component 30 is biased towards the closed position P11 by a biasing member (not shown).

When the flow control part 30 is positioned at the closing position P11, the valve unit 32 is closed. When the flow control member 30 is positioned at the open position P12, the valve unit 32 opens. The valve unit 32 is coupled to the first pipe 12t via the guide member 28 to move together relative to the second pipe 14t. The first fluid chamber 34 is provided between the valve unit 32 and the floating piston 24 . The second fluid chamber 36 is provided between the valve unit 32 and the lower end of the second pipe 14t. The flow control component 30 cooperates with the guide member 28 and the valve unit 32 to control the flow of fluid between the first fluid chamber 34 and the second fluid chamber 36 to change the position of the second tube 14t relative to the first tube 12t.

When the valve unit 32 is closed, the second pipe 14t is positioned in the telescopic direction Dt relative to the first pipe 12t. When the valve unit 32 is opened, the second pipe member 14t can move in the telescopic direction Dt relative to the first pipe member 12t. The floating piston 24 is provided in the inner bore of the second tube 14t and forms a gas chamber 38 provided between the floating piston 24 and the upper end of the second tube 14t. The shorter overall length of the electrical seat post assembly 110 increases the internal pressure of the gas chamber 38 . The electric seat post assembly 110 includes structures known in the bicycle art, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be described and/or illustrated in detail here.

In this embodiment, the controller 18 moves the flow control component 30 from the closed position P11 to the open position P12 when the operating member 20a is moved to the operating positions (eg, P1 and P2). When the operating member 20a is positioned in the rest position P0, the controller 18 maintains the flow control component 30 in the closed position P11.

The actuator 16a is mechanically coupled to the flow control component 30 to move the flow control component 30 between the closed position P11 and the open position P12. The rotational shaft is coupled to the flow control component 30 via a gear reducer (not shown). Position sensor PS2 is configured to sense the valve position of flow control component 30 via actuator 16a. Position sensor PS2 is configured to sense the absolute rotational position of the rotational shaft of actuator 16a as the valve position of flow control component 30. The valve position of the flow control component 30 is stored in memory M2. The processor PR2 generates a control signal based on the electrical signal ES from the switch unit 20 and the valve position of the flow control component 30 .

The actuator driver AD1 is configured to control the actuator 16a based on the control signal generated by the processor PR2. In this embodiment, the actuator driver AD1 controls the rotation direction and/or rotation speed of the actuator 16a based on the control signal generated by the processor PR2. Furthermore, the actuator driver AD1 is configured to stop the rotation of the rotating shaft based on the valve position and the electrical signal ES from the switch unit 20 to position the flow control member 30 at one of the closed position P11 and the open position P12 .

In this embodiment, the controller 18 can control the positioning structure 116 in two different ways. First, the controller 18 can control the positioning structure 116 in the same manner in response to both the first operation of the operation member 20a being moved in the first direction D1 and the second operation of the operation member 20a being moved in the second direction D2. In this case, when the operating member 20a is moved in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, the switch unit 20 can transmit the same electrical signal ES (valve opening control signal CS3). The switching unit 20 is configured to continuously transmit at least one electrical signal ES in a situation where the switching unit 20 is operated. For example, the switch unit 20 is configured to continuously transmit the valve opening control signal CS3 in the case where the operating member 20a is positioned at the operating position P1 or P2, and the controller 18 receives the valve opening control signal CS3 in the case where the controller 18 The actuator 16a is controlled to maintain the flow control member 30 in the open position P12. Alternatively, the switching unit 20 is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal ES with a predetermined transmission period for each operation of the switching unit 20 . For example, the switch unit 20 is configured to transmit the valve opening control signal CS3 in a predetermined manner when the operating member 20a is moved in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2, or when the operating member 20a reaches the operating position P1 or P2. time period to transmit.

In the above example, the controller 18 is configured to continuously control the positioning structure 116 in the event that the controller 18 receives at least one electrical signal ES from the switch unit 20 . However, the controller 18 can be configured to control the positioning structure 116 to move the actuator 16a for a predetermined actuation period in response to at least one electrical signal ES transmitted for each operation of the switching unit 20 . For example, once controller 18 receives valve opening control signal CS3 regardless of the length of time that controller 18 receives valve opening control signal CS3, controller 18 controls actuator 16a to hold flow control component 30 open for a predetermined actuation period. Located at P12. The predetermined actuation period can be preset or included in the valve opening control signal CS3.

Second, the controller 18 controls the positioning structure 116 in different ways in response to the first operation of moving the operating member 20a in the first direction D1 and the second operation of moving the operating member 20a in the second direction D2. In one example, the controller 18 is configured to actuate the positioning structure 116 for a first period of time in response to the first operation. Controller 18 is configured to actuate positioning structure 116 for a second period of time in response to the second operation. The second period is different from the first period. Specifically, the switch unit 20 is configured to transmit the valve opening control signal CS3 for a first period when the operating member 20a is moved in the first direction D1 or when the operating member 20a reaches the operating position P1. The switch unit 20 is configured to transmit the valve opening control signal CS3 for a second period when the operating member 20a is moved in the second direction D2 or when the operating member 20a reaches the operating position P2. Alternatively, the switch unit 20 is configured to transmit the first valve opening control signal CS41 when the operating member 20a is moved in the first direction D1 or when the operating member 20a reaches the operating position P1. Once the controller 18 receives the third A valve opening control signal CS41 Regardless of the length of time that the controller 18 receives the first valve opening control signal CS41, the controller 18 controls the actuator 16a to maintain the flow control component 30 in the open position P12 for a first period of time. The switch unit 20 is configured to transmit the second valve opening control signal CS42 when the operating member 20a is moved in the second direction D2, or when the operating member 20a reaches the operating position P2. Once the controller 18 receives the second valve opening, Control signal CS42 Regardless of the length of time the controller 18 receives the second valve opening control signal CS42, the controller 18 controls the actuator 16a to maintain the flow control component 30 in the open position P12 for the second period.

In another example, controller 18 is configured to control positioning structure 116 to move actuator 16a a first amount in response to a first operation. The controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 116 to move the actuator 16a a second amount that is different from the first amount in response to the second operation. In this example, as seen in Figure 4, the actuator 16a can move the flow control member 30 in the telescopic direction Dt to a semi-open position P13 between the closed position P11 and the open position P12. The valve opening area created by the flow control member 30 positioned at the half-open position P13 is narrower than the valve opening area created by the flow control member 30 positioned at the open position P12, whereby the second The moving speed of the member 14 is controlled by selecting from the open position P12 and the half-open position P13. However, the half-open position P13 is only an example, and the position P13 can open a wider position than the open position P12. The switching unit 20 is configured to continuously transmit at least one electrical signal ES in a situation where the switching unit 20 is operated. Specifically, the switch unit 20 is configured to continuously transmit the first valve opening control signal CS41 in a situation where the operating member 20a is positioned at the operating position P1, and the controller 18 receives the first valve opening signal CS41. The actuator 16a is controlled to maintain the flow control member 30 at one of the open position P12 and the half-open position P13, and the switch unit 20 is configured to continuously operate with the operating member 20a positioned at the operating position P2. The second valve opening control signal CS42 is transmitted, and the controller 18 controls the actuator 16a to maintain the flow control component 30 in the open position P12 and the half-open position P13 when the controller 18 receives the second valve opening signal CS42. of another place.

In this case, the switching unit 20 is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal ES with a predetermined transmission period for each operation of the switching unit 20 . Specifically, when the operating member 20a is moved in the first direction D1, or when the operating member 20a reaches the operating position P1 regardless of the time for maintaining the operating member 20 at the operating position P1, the switch unit 20 can switch the first The valve opening control signal CS41 is transmitted with a predetermined transmission period. The switch unit 20 can control the opening of the second valve when the operating member 20a is moved in the second direction D2, or when the operating member 20a reaches the operating position P2 regardless of the time for maintaining the operating member 20a at the operating position P2. Signal CS42 is transmitted with a predetermined transmission period.

Furthermore, the controller 18 can be configured to control the positioning structure 116 to move the actuator 16a for a predetermined actuation period in response to at least one electrical signal ES transmitted for each operation of the switching unit 20 . Specifically, once the controller 18 receives the first valve opening control signal CS41 regardless of the length of time the controller 18 receives the first valve opening control signal CS41, the controller 18 can control the actuator 16a to move the flow control component 30 in a predetermined manner. The control period is maintained at one of the first position P12 and the half-open position P13, and once the controller 18 receives the second valve opening control signal CS42 regardless of the length of time for the controller 18 to receive the second valve opening control signal CS42, the control The controller 18 can control the actuator 16a to maintain the flow control component 30 in the other of the first position P12 and the half-open position P13 for a predetermined actuation period. The predetermined actuation period can be preset or included in the first valve opening control signal CS41 and the second valve opening control signal CS42.

With the electric seat post assembly 110 , even though the electric seat post assembly 110 includes a hydraulically telescopic seat post, it is possible to change the length L of the electric seat post assembly 110 without having a remote switch adjacent the handlebar 5 . Therefore, it is possible to simplify the wiring between the switch unit 20 and the controller 18 and/or to reduce the number of components of the electrical base post assembly 10 . Modifications of the Second Embodiment

In the second embodiment, the operating member 20a can only move in the first direction D1, and the first direction D1 cannot be the upward direction DB1. In addition, the button 21 illustrated in FIG. 3 can be applied to the switch unit 20 in the second embodiment. Alternatively, the switch unit 20 can have substantially the same structure as the toggle switch described in the modification of the first embodiment. Third embodiment

The electrical seat post assembly 210 provided according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 5 . The electric seat post assembly 210 has the same structure and/or configuration as the electric seat post assembly 10 except for the switch unit 220 . Therefore, elements having substantially the same functionality as elements of the second embodiment will be numbered identically here and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail again here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 5 , the switch unit 220 includes a seating detector 22 to detect riding on the second member 14 . Riding includes at least one of the rider's riding posture and the seat load applied to the seat 6 or the second member 14 . The seat detector 22 includes a membrane switch 22a, a displacement sensor 22b, and a tact switch 22c. The seat detector 22 also includes a processor PR1 and a memory M1 similar to those included in the switch unit 20 in the first embodiment. In the case where the seat detector 22 includes a displacement sensor 22b, the seat detector 22 preferably includes an amplifier AMP and an A/D converter ADC to amplify the analog signal output from the displacement sensor 22b, and convert it into a digital signal.

The membrane switch 22a is disposed in the seat 6 to detect a load-bearing portion of the seat 6, and a load exceeding a predetermined level is applied to the load-bearing portion to output at least one electrical signal ES based on the load-bearing portion. As seen in Figure 6, membrane switch 22a typically includes a first flexible diaphragm substrate 22a1, a second flexible diaphragm substrate 22a2, and a spacer 22a3. On the first flexible diaphragm base material, a first conductive pattern including the first electrode 22a4 is provided. On the second flexible diaphragm base material, a second conductive pattern including the second electrode 22a5 is provided. The second flexible diaphragm base material 22a2 is provided apart from the first flexible diaphragm base material 22a1 in the inter-film direction Di. The spacer 22a3 is provided between the first flexible diaphragm base material 22a1 and the second flexible diaphragm base material 22a2 in the inter-film direction Di. The first electrode 22a4 overlaps the second electrode 22a5 when viewed from the inter-film direction Di. The spacer 22a3 provides an opening 22a6 overlapping the first electrode 22a4 and the second electrode 22a5 in the inter-film direction Di. When the rider is not sitting on the seat 6, the first electrode 22a4 is not in contact with the second electrode 22a5, whereby the membrane switch 22a detects that less than a predetermined load is applied to all components of the seat 6. When the rider sits on the seat 6, in at least a part of the membrane switch 22a, at least one of the first flexible diaphragm base material 22a1 and the second flexible diaphragm base material 22a2 is bent in the inter-film direction Di, Thereby, the first electrode 22a4 and the second electrode 22a5 come into contact. In this case, the membrane switch 22a detects that a load equal to or exceeding a predetermined level is applied to the load-bearing portion of the seat 6. The membrane switch 22a also detects the rider's riding posture by detecting the load-bearing part of the seat 6. For example, when the rider rides in a normal sitting posture, the membrane switch 22a detects that the load-bearing portion of the front side FS of the seat 6 is relative to the rear side RS (opposite to the front side FS in the front-rear direction DB3 (refer to FIG. 1) of the bicycle 1). The proportion of the load-bearing part falls within the predetermined range, whereby the membrane switch 22a detects the normal sitting posture. When the rider rides in a forward-bent posture, the membrane switch 22a detects that the ratio of the load-bearing portion of the front side FS to the rear-side RS exceeds a predetermined range, whereby the membrane switch 22a detects the forward-bent sitting posture. When the rider rides in a backward leaning posture, the membrane switch 22a detects that the ratio of the load-bearing portion of the front side FS to the rear side RS of the seat 6 is lower than a predetermined range, whereby the membrane switch 22a detects the backward sitting posture. .

As seen in FIG. 5 , the displacement sensor 22 b includes a piezoelectric element or a resistance strain gauge to detect the displacement (elastic deformation) of the seat 6 or the second member 14 to detect that a load exceeding a predetermined level is applied to the The load-bearing part of the seat 6 above. In the case where the displacement sensor 22b is a resistance strain gauge, for example, the resistance strain gauge is disposed on the seat rail 6r of the seat 6 to output at least one based on the elastic deformation of the seat rail 6r (displacement of the seat 6). Electrical signal ES. However, resistance strain gauges can be placed in different locations. For example, a resistance strain gauge can be attached to at least one of the inner peripheral surface of the second pipe 14t and the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe 14t. Displacement sensor 22b can include a plurality of resistive strain gauges attached to various different portions of seat rail 6r. In the illustrated embodiment, the displacement sensor 22b includes a first resistive strain gauge 22c1 attached to the front portion of the seat rail 6r and a second resistive strain gauge 22c2 attached to the rear portion of the seat rail 6r. . When the rider rides in a normal sitting posture, the ratio of the front elastic deformation detected by the first resistance strain gauge 22c1 to the rear elastic deformation detected by the second resistance strain gauge 22c2 falls within a predetermined range, whereby, The displacement sensor 22b detects the normal sitting posture. When the rider rides in a forward-bent sitting posture, the ratio of the front elastic deformation to the rear elastic deformation exceeds a predetermined range, whereby the displacement sensor 22b detects the forward-bending sitting posture. When the rider rides in a backward leaning posture, the ratio of the front elastic deformation to the rear elastic deformation is lower than a predetermined range, whereby the displacement sensor 22b detects the backward leaning posture. In the case where the displacement sensor 22b includes a piezoelectric element, the plurality of piezoelectric elements can be attached to various seat attachment members of the second member 14 (including the inner peripheral surface of the second tube 14t and the second at least one of the outer peripheral surfaces of the tube 14t) to detect the load-bearing portion of the seat 6. The knight posture detection algorithm of the plurality of piezoelectric elements can be substantially the same as the knight posture detection algorithm of the resistance strain gauge, and will not be described in detail again here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in Figure 7, the displacement sensor 22b can include a plurality of tact switches 22c. The plurality of tact switches 22c are disposed on the first flexible diaphragm base material 22a1 and the third diaphragm base in the inter-film direction Di. The materials 22a7 are located at different positions of the seat 6. However, at least one tactile switch 22c can be provided at a different position of the second member 14, such as the seat attachment part 15 of the second seat tube 14t. The third diaphragm base material 22a7 is preferably rigid and supports the tactile switch 22c. The spacer 22a3 is provided between the first flexible diaphragm base material 22a1 and the third diaphragm base material 22a7 in the inter-film direction Di. A plurality of tact switches 22c are provided between two adjacent spacers 22a3. The first flexible diaphragm base material 22a1 is preferably made of an elastic member to return to its original position when the first flexible diaphragm base material 22a1 is not pressed. When a part of the first flexible diaphragm base material 22a1 is positioned in the original position, the tact switch 22c overlapping a part of the first flexible diaphragm base material 22a1 is turned off, whereby the output of the tact switch 22c It is shown that a load less than a predetermined level is applied to the portion of the first flexible diaphragm substrate 22a1. When the rider sits on the seat 6, at least a portion of the first flexible diaphragm base material 22a1 is bent in the inter-film direction Di, whereby the portion overlapping the at least a portion of the first flexible diaphragm base material 22a1 At least one tact switch 22c is turned on. In this case, at least one tactile switch 22c detects that a load equal to or exceeding a predetermined level is applied to the load-bearing portion of the seat 6. The tactile switch 22c also detects the rider's riding posture through the load-bearing part of the seat 6 in the same manner as the membrane switch 22a.

As seen in FIG. 5 , the seat detector 22 is configured to detect the riding posture on the second member 14 to transmit at least one electrical signal ES. More specifically, the processor PR1 generates at least one electrical signal ES based on the riding posture detected by at least one of the membrane switch 22a, the displacement sensor 22b, and the tact switch 22c, so as to transmit the at least one electrical signal ES. to controller 18. The riding posture can include a sitting posture, including at least one of a normal sitting posture, a forward bent sitting posture, and a backward leaning posture. The riding posture can also include a standing posture in which the rider stands on the bicycle pedal 8 (see FIG. 1 ) without sitting on the seat 6 . In this case, the seat detector 22 can also include a pressure sensor (eg, a resistance strain gauge) disposed on the bicycle pedal 8 to detect the rider's pedaling force. At least one electrical signal ES can include a control signal corresponding to the above riding posture. At least one electrical signal ES includes an extension signal CS1 to extend the length L of the electrical seat post assembly 210 . At least one electrical signal ES includes a retraction signal CS2 to shorten the length L of the electrical seat post assembly 210 . Furthermore, at least one electrical signal ES can include the trigger signal CS5. The trigger signal CS5 is used to instruct the controller 18 to start extending the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 after the extension signal CS1 is transmitted. At least one electrical signal ES can include cancellation signal CS6. The cancel signal CS6 is used to instruct the controller 18 to cancel the command of the stretch signal CS1 before starting to stretch.

The controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 in response to at least one electrical signal ES. The controller 18 can control the positioning structure 16 according to a number of methods described below: First method

The controller 18 is configured to be instructed to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 when the rider is seated on the seat 6 in the first riding position. The controller 18 is configured to start extending when the rider is riding the bicycle 1 in a standing position. The controller 18 is configured to cancel the extension of the electric seat post assembly 210 when the rider sits on the seat 6 in the second riding posture after the rider sits down in the first riding posture and before the rider rides in the standing posture. Indication of length L. The controller 18 is configured to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 when the rider sits on the seat in a third riding position that is different from the first riding position.

In this method, as seen in FIG. 8 , the seat detector 22 detects the first riding posture (step S11 ). Preferably, the first riding posture is a backward leaning posture, but the first riding posture can be a sitting posture different from the backward leaning posture, such as a forward bending sitting posture. When the first riding posture is detected, the seat detector 22 transmits the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18 (step S12). That is, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18 in response to the detection of the first riding posture.

Then, when the seat detector 22 detects a second riding posture that is different from the first riding posture (YES in step S13), the seat detector 22 transmits the cancellation signal CS6 to the controller 18 (step S14 ). That is, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the cancellation signal CS6 to the controller 18 in response to the detection of a second riding posture that is different from the first riding posture. Preferably, the second riding position is opposite to the first riding position. Preferably, the second riding position is a forward-bent sitting position. In the case where the first riding position is a forward-leaning sitting position, the second riding position is a backward-leaning sitting position. The controller responds to the cancel signal CS6 (step 15) and cancels the command based on the stretch signal CS1. After step 15 is performed, the controller 18 waits for the stretch signal SC1 again (returning to step S11).

When the seat detector 22 detects the standing posture ("Yes" in step S16) without detecting the second riding posture ("No" in step S13), the seat detector 22 is configured The trigger signal CS5 is sent to the controller 18 (step S17). That is, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the trigger signal CS5 to the controller 18 in response to detection of unloading on the second member 14 . When the controller 18 receives the trigger signal CS5, the controller 18 starts to control the positioning structure 16 to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 (S18). That is, the controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the trigger signal CS5 after receiving the extension signal CS1. In step S18, the controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to move the actuator 16a for a predetermined actuation period in response to the trigger signal CS5.

As seen in steps S13, S14, S16, and S17, when the second riding posture is detected before the standing posture is detected, the cancellation signal CS6 is transmitted. Therefore, as seen in step S15, the controller 18 is configured to cancel the command based on the stretch signal CS1 in response to the cancel signal CS6 before receiving the trigger signal CS5.

As shown in FIG. 9 , when the seat detector 22 detects the third riding posture (step S21 ), the seat detector 22 transmits the retraction signal CS2 to the controller 18 (step S22 ). That is, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the retraction signal CS2 to the controller 18 in response to the detection of the third riding posture. The third riding position is different from the first riding position. For example, the balance center of the load-bearing portion of the seat 6 in the third riding posture is located in front of the balance center of the load-bearing portion of the seat 6 in the first riding posture in the front-rear direction DB3 of the bicycle 1 . Alternatively, the third riding position is a more forward leaning position than the first riding position. Rather, the third riding position includes a forward-bent sitting position. The third riding position can be equal to the second riding position.

When the controller 18 receives the retraction signal CS2, the controller 18 controls the positioning structure 16 to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 (step 23). That is, the controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the retraction signal CS2. The controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the retraction signal CS2 regardless of whether the seat 6 is loaded or unloaded. In step S23, the controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to move the actuator 16a for a predetermined actuation period in response to the retraction signal CS2. Second method

In a third embodiment, similar to a modification of the first embodiment, the positioning structure 16 can be constructed to position the second member 14 relative to the first member 12 such that the predetermined first length L1 is different from the predetermined first length L1 The predetermined second length L2 of is implemented as the length L of the electrical seat post assembly 210 . The predetermined first length L1 is the maximum length of the electrical seat post assembly 210 . The predetermined second length L2 is the minimum length of the electrical seat post assembly 210 . In this method, simply one gesture or a pair of two gestures can be used to change the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 . For example, a posture includes sitting or standing. The two postures are sitting and standing. However, one posture can include a forward bent posture or a backward leaning posture, and two postures can include a forward bent sitting posture and a backward leaning posture.

In the second method, there are four algorithms that the controller 18 can implement to change the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 . first algorithm

As seen in FIG. 10 , the seat detector 22 detects the load on the second member 14 , that is, the sitting posture (step S31 ). Then, the seat detector 22 detects unloading on the second member 14, that is, a standing posture (step S32). After step S32, the seat detector 22 determines whether the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the maximum length L1 or the minimum length L2 (step S33). In order to perform this process, the memory M1 stores the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 . If the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the maximum length L1 ("L1" in step S33), the seat detector 22 transmits the retraction signal CS2 to the controller 18 (step S34). That is, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the retraction signal CS2 to the controller 18 in response to detection of one of loading and unloading on the second member 14 . More specifically, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the retraction signal CS2 to the controller 18 in response to detection of unloading on the second member 14 . After transmitting the retraction signal CS2, the seat detector 22 changes the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 to the minimum length L2. Then, the controller 18 receives the retraction signal CS2 to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the retraction signal CS2 (step S35). That is, the controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the retraction signal CS2. After step S35 is completed, the electric seat post assembly 210 performs step S31 again.

If the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the minimum length L2 ("L2" in step S33), the seat detector 22 transmits the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18 (step S36). That is, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18 in response to detection of one of loading and unloading on the second member 14 . More specifically, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18 in response to detection of unloading on the second member 14 . After transmitting the extension signal CS1, the seat detector 22 changes the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 to the maximum length L1. Then, as soon as the controller 18 receives the extension signal CS1, the controller 18 immediately responds to the extension signal CS1 and extends the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 (step S37). That is, the controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the extension signal CS1 when the seat detector 22 detects the unloaded state. After step S37 is completed, the electric seat post assembly 210 performs step S31 again.

According to this algorithm, after the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the maximum length L1 (step S31), when the rider rides in a standing posture (step S32), the retraction signal CS2 is transmitted to the controller 18 (step S34), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is shortened (step S35). Then, the rider can sit on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the minimum length L2. After the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the minimum length L2 (step S31), when the rider rides in a standing posture (step S32), the stretch signal CS1 is transmitted to the controller 18 (step S32). S36), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is extended (step S37).

In another case, when the rider rides in a standing position with the electric seat post assembly 210 having the maximum length L1, the rider must sit on the seat 6 (step S31) and ride in a standing position again (step S31). S32) to shorten the electric seat post assembly 210. After the rider does so, the retraction signal CS2 is sent to the controller 18 (step S34), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is shortened (step S35). When the rider rides in a standing position when the electric seat post assembly 210 has the minimum length L2, the rider must sit on the seat 6 (step S31) and ride in a standing position again (step S32) to transfer the electric seat post assembly 210 to a standing position. The seat post assembly 210 is extended. After the rider does so, the extension signal CS1 is sent to the controller 18 (step S36), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is extended (step S37). second algorithm

The second algorithm is illustrated in Figure 11. Some processes of the second algorithm are the same as some processes of the first algorithm. Therefore, processes identical to those of the first algorithm will be numbered identically here and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail again here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in Figure 11, the seat detector 22 detects unloading on the second member 14, that is, a standing posture (step S41). Then, the seat detector 22 detects the load on the second member 14, that is, the sitting posture (step S42). After step S42, steps S33 to S35, or steps S33 and S36 are executed. Accordingly, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18 in response to detection of one of loading and unloading on the second member 14 . More specifically, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18 in response to detection of a load on the second member 14 . Seat detector 22 is configured to transmit retraction signal CS2 to controller 18 in response to detection of one of loading and unloading on second member 14 . More specifically, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the retraction signal CS2 to the controller 18 in response to detection of a load on the second member 14 . The controller 18 is configured to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the retraction signal CS2.

After the seat detector 22 transmits the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18 (step S36), the seat detector 22 waits for unloading on the second member 14, that is, the standing position (step S43). When the seat detector 22 detects unloading on the second member 14 (YES in step S43), the seat detector 22 transmits the trigger signal CS5 (step S44). That is, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the trigger signal CS5 to the controller 18 in response to detection of unloading on the second member 14 . Then, as soon as the controller 18 receives the trigger signal CS5, the controller 18 immediately responds to the trigger signal CS5 and extends the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 (step S37). That is, the controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the trigger signal CS5 after receiving the extension signal CS1. In other words, the controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the extension signal CS1 when the seat detector 22 detects the unloaded state. After the seat detector 22 detects the load on the second member 14 (step S45), the electric seat post assembly 210 performs step S41 again.

According to this algorithm, when the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the maximum length L1, the rider must ride in a standing position (step S41) and sit on the seat 6 again (step S42) , to shorten the electric seat post assembly 210. After the rider does so, the retraction signal CS2 is sent to the controller 18 (step S34) and the electric seat post assembly 210 is shortened (step S35). When the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the minimum length L2, the rider must ride in a standing position (step S41) and sit on the seat 6 again (step S42) to move the electric seat Column assembly 210 extends. After the rider does this, the stretch signal CS1 is sent to the controller 18 (step S36). Then, after the stretch signal CS1 is transmitted, when the rider rides in a standing posture (YES in step S43), the trigger signal CS5 is transmitted to the controller 18 (step S44), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is stretched (step S37).

In another case, after the rider rides in a standing posture (step S41), when the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 having the maximum length L1 (step S42), the retraction signal CS2 is is sent to the controller 18 (step S34), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is shortened (step S35). Then, the rider can sit on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the minimum length L2. After the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the minimum length L2, when the rider can ride in a standing position (step S41), and then sits on the seat 6 again (step S42), the stretch signal CS1 is sent to the controller 18 (step S36). Then, after the extension signal CS1 is transmitted, when the rider rides in a standing position again (step S43), the trigger signal CS5 is transmitted to the controller 18 (step S44), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is extended (step S37 ). third algorithm

The third algorithm is illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. Some processes of the third algorithm are the same as some processes of the first algorithm and the second algorithm. Therefore, processes that are identical to those of the first algorithm and the second algorithm will be numbered identically here and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail again here for the sake of brevity. In addition, the processing illustrated in FIG. 12 and the processing illustrated in FIG. 13 are executed simultaneously.

As seen in FIG. 12 , after loading and unloading the second member 14 in this sequence (steps S31 and S32 ), the seat detector 22 determines whether the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the maximum length L1 (step 51 ). If the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the maximum length L1 ("Yes" in step S51), steps S34 and S35 are executed. Accordingly, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the retraction signal CS2 to the controller 18 in response to detection of one of loading and unloading on the second member 14 . More specifically, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the retraction signal CS2 to the controller 18 in response to detection of unloading on the second member 14 . The controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the retraction signal CS2. After step 35 is completed, or if the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the minimum length L2 ("No" in step S51), the electric seat post assembly 210 performs step S31 again.

As seen in FIG. 13 , after unloading and loading on the second member 14 in this sequence (steps S41 and S42 ), the seat detector 22 determines whether the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the minimum length L2 (step S52 ). If the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the minimum length L2 (YES in step S52), steps S36, S43, S44, S37, and S45 are executed. Accordingly, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18 in response to detection of one of loading and unloading on the second member 14 . More specifically, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18 in response to detection of a load on the second member 14 . Seat detector 22 is configured to transmit trigger signal CS5 to controller 18 in response to detection of unloading on second member 14 . The controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the trigger signal CS5 after receiving the extension signal CS1. The controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the extension signal CS1 when the seat detector 22 detects the unloaded state. After step S45 is completed, or if the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the maximum length L1 ("No" in step S52), the electric seat post assembly 210 performs step S41 again.

According to this algorithm, after the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the maximum length L1 (step S31), when the rider rides in a standing posture (step S32), the retraction signal CS2 is transmitted To the controller 18 (step S34), the electric seat post assembly 210 is shortened (step S35). Then, the rider can sit on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the minimum length L2. After the rider rides in a standing position (step S41), when the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the minimum length L2 (step S42), the stretch signal CS1 is transmitted to the controller 18 (step S42). S36). After the extension signal CS1 is transmitted, when the rider rides in a standing posture (YES in step S43), the trigger signal CS5 is transmitted to the controller 18 (step S44), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is extended (Step S37).

In another case, when the rider rides in a standing position with the electric seat post assembly 210 having the maximum length L1, the rider must sit on the seat 6 (step S31) and ride in a standing position again (step S31). S32) to shorten the electric seat post assembly 210. After the rider does so, the retraction signal CS2 is sent to the controller 18 (step S34), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is shortened (step S35). After the rider rides in a standing position (step S41), when the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the minimum length L2 (step S42), the stretch signal CS1 is transmitted to the controller 18 (step S42). S36). Then, after the stretch signal CS1 is transmitted, when the rider rides in the standing posture again (YES in step S43), the trigger signal CS5 is transmitted to the controller 18 (step S44), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is stretched (step S37). The fourth algorithm

The fourth algorithm is illustrated in Figures 14 and 15. Some processes of the fourth algorithm are the same as some processes of the first algorithm and the second algorithm. Therefore, processes that are identical to those of the first algorithm and the second algorithm will be numbered identically here and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail again here for the sake of brevity. In addition, the processing illustrated in FIG. 14 and the processing illustrated in FIG. 15 are executed simultaneously.

As seen in FIG. 14 , after loading and unloading the second member 14 in this sequence (steps S31 and S32 ), the second detector 22 determines whether the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the minimum length L2 (steps S31 and S32 ). S61). If the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the minimum length L2 ("Yes" in step S61), steps S36 and S37 are executed. Accordingly, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18 in response to detection of one of loading and unloading on the second member 14 . More specifically, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the extension signal CS1 to the controller 18 in response to detection of unloading on the second member 14 . The controller 18 is configured to control the positioning structure 16 to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the extension signal CS1 when the seat detector 22 detects unloading. After step S37 is completed, or the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the maximum length L1 ("No" in step S61), the electric seat post assembly 210 performs step S31 again.

As seen in FIG. 15 , after unloading and loading on the second member 14 in this sequence (steps S41 and S42 ), the seat detector 22 determines whether the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the maximum length L1 (step S62 ). If the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the maximum length L1 (YES in step S62), steps S34 and S35 are executed. Accordingly, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the retraction signal CS2 to the controller 18 in response to detection of one of loading and unloading on the second member 14 . More specifically, the seat detector 22 is configured to transmit the retraction signal CS2 to the controller 18 in response to detection of a load on the second member 14 . The controller 18 is configured to control the structure 16 to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 in response to the retraction signal CS2. After step S35 is completed, or if the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is the minimum length L2 ("No" in step S62), the electric seat post assembly 210 performs step S31 again.

According to this algorithm, when the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the maximum length L1, the rider must ride in a standing position (step S41) and sit on the seat 6 again (step S42) , to shorten the electric seat post assembly 210. After the rider does so, the retraction signal CS2 is sent to the controller 18 (step S34), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is shortened (step S35). After the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the minimum length L2 (step S31), when the rider rides in a standing posture (step S32), the stretch signal CS1 is transmitted to the controller 18 (step S32). S36), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is extended (step S37).

In other cases, after the rider rides in a standing position (step S41), when the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 having the maximum length L1 (step S42), the retraction signal CS2 is transmitted to the controller 18 (step S34), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is shortened (step S35). After the rider sits on the seat 6 of the electric seat post assembly 210 with the minimum length L2 (step S32), when the rider rides in a standing posture (step S32), the stretch signal CS1 is transmitted to the controller 18 (step S32). S36), and the electric seat post assembly 210 is extended (step S37).

With the electric seat post assembly 210, it is possible to adjust the position of the electric seat post assembly 10 based on riding information including at least one of the rider's riding posture and the seat load applied to the seat 6 or the second member 14. The length L changes to control the length of the electric seat post assembly 210. Modifications of the Third Embodiment

In the third embodiment, an example of detecting the riding posture from the outputs of the membrane switch 22a, the displacement sensor 22b, and the tact switch 22c is described. However, the algorithm for detecting the riding posture is not limited to the algorithm described in the third embodiment. For example, the center of balance of the load-bearing portion of the seat 6 on which a load exceeding a predetermined level is applied can be used to detect the riding posture.

In the first method, at least one of steps S13 to S15 and steps S16 to S17 can be omitted. In the case where steps S13 to S17 are omitted, as soon as the controller 18 receives the extension signal CS1, the controller 18 can immediately extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210.

In the second method, when the seat detector 22 detects the exact riding posture (eg, forward-bent sitting posture or backward-leaning posture), the cancellation signal CS6 can be sent to the controller 18 . In this case, "load on the second member 14" means a different riding position than the exact riding position used to transmit the cancellation signal CS6. Additionally, other riding positions (eg, forward-bent sitting position or rear-leaning position) can be used instead of unloading and loading on the second member 14 .

The seat detector 22 (switch unit 220) can omit the processor PR1 and the memory M1, and directly transmit the output signal from at least one of the membrane switch 22a, the displacement sensor 22b, and the tact switch 22c to Controller 18. In this case, steps S12, S14, S17, and S22 are replaced by transmitting electrical signals regarding the riding posture. Furthermore, steps S34, S36, and S44 can be omitted, and transmitting an electrical signal regarding the riding posture is added to each of steps S31, S32, S41, S42, S43, and S45. In addition, the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 can be managed by the controller 18, and the memory M2 can store the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210.

Instead of the extension signal CS1 and the retraction signal CS2, the seat detector 22 (switch 220) can transmit a length change signal CS7 to instruct the controller 18 to change the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210. As seen in FIG. 16 , after loading and unloading on the second member 14 in this sequence (steps S31 and S32 ), the seat detector 22 can transmit the length change signal CS7 ( regardless of the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 Step S38). In this case, the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is managed by the controller 18 , and the memory M2 stores the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 . The controller 18 is configured to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 when the current length stored in the memory M2 is the maximum length L1 (step S35). The controller 18 is configured to extend the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 when the current length stored in the memory M2 is the minimum length L1 (step S37).

As seen in FIG. 17 , after unloading and loading on the second member 14 in this sequence (steps S41 and S42 ), the seat detector 22 can transmit the length change signal CS7 ( regardless of the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 Step S46). In this case, the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 is managed by the controller 18 , and the memory M2 stores the current length of the electric seat post assembly 210 . The controller 18 is configured to shorten the length L of the electric seat post assembly 210 when the current length stored in the memory M2 is the maximum length L1 (step S35). The controller 18 is configured to transmit the trigger request signal CS8 to the seat detector 22 when the current length stored in the memory M2 is the minimum length L2 (step S47). If the seat detector 22 receives the trigger request signal CS8 and detects unloading on the second member 14 (YES in step S43), the seat detector transmits the trigger signal CS5 to the controller 18 (step S44) . Even if the electric seat post assembly 210 executes such an algorithm, the electric seat post assembly 210 has the same function as described in the third embodiment. Other modifications

As used herein, the term "comprises" and its derivatives are intended as an open-ended term that defines the occurrence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps but does not exclude other unstated features, The occurrence of elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the words "have", "include" and their derivatives.

The terms "member", "section", "portion", "part", "element", "body" and "structure" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

Ordinal terms such as "first" and "second" described in this application are merely identifying terms and do not have any other meaning such as a specific order. Furthermore, for example, the term "first element" itself does not imply the presence of a "second element", and the term "second element" itself does not imply the presence of a "first element".

The term "a pair" used herein can not only cover a configuration in which the pair of elements have the same shape or structure, but also a configuration in which the pair of elements have different shapes or structures.

Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately" as used herein mean reasonable amounts of variation in the modifying terms such that the end result does not materially alter.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, it is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

1:Bicycle 2:Bicycle frame 3: Front wheel 4: Rear wheel 5: Handlebar 6: Seat 6r: seat rail 7:Battery 8:Bicycle pedal 10: Electric seat column assembly 12:First component 12t: first pipe fitting 14t: Second pipe fitting 14:Second component 15: Seat attachment parts 16: Positioning structure 16a: Actuator 16b: Linear motion conversion mechanism 18:Controller 18b:Bus 20:Switch unit 20a: Operational components 20b: proximal part 20bu:Bus 20c: distal part 21:Button 21a: Operational components 21b: Conductive leaf spring 21c:Contact point 21d: Shell 22:Seat detector 22a: Membrane switch 22a1: First flexible diaphragm base material 22a2: Second flexible diaphragm base material 22a3: Spacer 22a4: first electrode 22a5: Second electrode 22a6:Open your mouth 22a7: Third diaphragm base material 22b: Displacement sensor 22c:tact switch 22c1: First resistance strain gauge 22c2: Second resistance strain gauge 24:Floating piston 26: Rod parts 28:Guide component 30:Flow control components 32: Valve unit 34: First fluid chamber 36: Second fluid chamber 38:Gas chamber 110: Electric seat column assembly 116: Positioning structure 161: Ball screw 162:Female screw 210: Electric seat column assembly 220: Switch unit A1: Central axis A2: Pivot axis AD1: Actuator driver ADC:A/D converter AMP: amplifier C1:Control cable CP: center plane CS1: stretch signal CS2: retract signal CS3: Valve opening control signal CS41: First valve opening control signal CS42: Second valve opening control signal CS5: Trigger signal CS6: Cancel signal CS7: Length change signal CS8: Trigger request signal D1: first direction D2: second direction DB1: Lateral direction DB11: left direction DB12: right direction DB2: vertical direction DB21: upward direction DB22: downward direction DB3: forward and backward direction Di: direction between films Dt: Telescopic direction ES: Electrical signal FS: front side L: length L1: Maximum length, predetermined first length L2: minimum length, predetermined second length M1: memory M2: memory P0: Resting position P1: operating position P11: closed position P12: Open position P13: Half open position P2: operating position PR1: Processor PR2: Processor PS1: Rotation sensor PS2: Position sensor RS: rear side S11: Steps S12: Steps S13: Steps S14: Steps S15: Steps S16: Steps S17: Steps S18: Steps S21: Steps S22: Steps S23: Steps S31: Steps S32: Steps S33: Steps S34: Steps S35: Steps S36: Steps S37: Steps S41: Steps S42: Steps S43: Steps S44: Steps S45: Steps S51: Steps S52: Steps S61: Steps S62: Step T1: first terminal T2: Second terminal T3: The third terminal

As a more complete appreciation of the present invention and its many attendant advantages becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, a more complete appreciation of the present invention and its many attendant advantages will become apparent. Easily available.

[Fig. 1] is a schematic diagram of the bicycle in the first embodiment.

[Fig. 2] is a schematic block diagram of the electric seat post assembly according to the first embodiment.

[Fig. 3] shows another example of the switch unit illustrated in Fig. 1.

[Fig. 4] is a schematic block diagram of the electric seat post assembly according to the second embodiment.

[Fig. 5] is a schematic block diagram of the electric seat post assembly according to the third embodiment.

[Fig. 6] is an enlarged view of the membrane switch shown in Fig. 5.

[Fig. 7] is an enlarged view of the tact switch shown in Fig. 5.

[Fig. 8] illustrates a flowchart showing the processing in the first method executed by the controller of the third embodiment.

[Fig. 9] illustrates a flowchart showing processing in the first method executed by the controller of the third embodiment.

[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing processing in the first algorithm of the second method executed by the controller of the third embodiment.

[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing processing in the second algorithm of the second method executed by the controller of the third embodiment.

[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing in the third algorithm of the second method executed by the controller of the third embodiment.

[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing processing in the third algorithm of the second method executed by the controller of the third embodiment.

[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing processing in the fourth algorithm of the second method executed by the controller of the third embodiment.

[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing processing in the fourth algorithm of the second method executed by the controller of the third embodiment.

[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 illustrates a flowchart showing processing in the modification of the first algorithm of the second method executed by the controller of the third embodiment.

[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 illustrates a flowchart showing processing in the modification of the second algorithm of the second method executed by the controller of the third embodiment.

7:Battery

10: Electric seat column assembly

12 (12t): First component (first pipe fitting)

14(14t): Second component (second pipe fitting)

16: Positioning structure

16a: Actuator

16b: Linear motion conversion mechanism

18:Controller

18b:Bus

20:Switch unit

20a: Operational components

20bu:Bus

161: Ball screw

162:Female screw

A2: Pivot axis

AD1: Actuator driver

C1:Control cable

C2:Wire

D1: first direction

D2: second direction

Dt: Telescopic direction

ES (CS1, CS2): Electrical signal (extension signal, retraction signal)

L: length

L1: Maximum length, predetermined first length

L2: minimum length, predetermined second length

M1: memory

M2: memory

P0: Resting position

P1: operating position

P2: operating position

PR1: Processor

PR2: Processor

PS1: Rotation sensor

PS2: Position sensor

Claims (15)

An electric seat column assembly, including: first component; a second member movably coupled to the first member to change the length of the electric base post assembly; a positioning structure configured to position the second member relative to the first member; a controller for controlling the positioning structure; and A switch unit is electrically connected to the controller, and the switch unit is provided on one of the first component and the second component, wherein The switch unit is configured to be actuated by a user to transmit at least one electrical signal to the controller, the at least one electrical signal including a signal for changing the length of the electrical seat post assembly. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 1, wherein The positioning structure includes an actuator to change the relative position between the first member and the second member to change the length of the electric seat post assembly, and The controller is configured to control the positioning structure to move the actuator for a predetermined actuation period in response to the at least one electrical signal transmitted for each operation of the switch unit. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 1, wherein The switch unit includes a lever. An electric seat column assembly, including: first component; a second member movably coupled to the first member to change the length of the electric base post assembly; a positioning structure configured to position the second member relative to the first member; a controller for controlling the positioning structure; and a switch unit electrically connected to the controller, the switch unit including an operating member provided on one of the first member and the second member, wherein The operating member is configured to be movable about the pivot axis in a first direction and a second direction. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 4, wherein The controller controls the positioning structure in the same manner in response to both a first operation in which the operating member is moved in the first direction and a second operation in which the operating member is moved in the second direction. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 4, wherein The controller controls the positioning structure in different ways in response to a first operation of moving the operating member in the first direction and a second operation of moving the operating member in the second direction. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to extend the length of the electric seat post assembly in response to the first operation, and The controller is configured to shorten the length of the electric seat post assembly in response to the second operation. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the positioning structure for a first period of time in response to the first operation, and The controller is configured to actuate the positioning structure for a second time period in response to the second operation, the first time period being different from the second time period. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 6, wherein The positioning structure includes an actuator to change the relative position between the first member and the second member, the controller is configured to control the positioning structure to move the actuator a first amount in response to the first operation, and The controller is configured to control the positioning structure to move the actuator a second amount different from the first amount in response to the second operation. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 1, wherein The at least one electrical signal includes an extension signal to extend the length of the electrical seat post assembly. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one electrical signal includes a trigger signal, The seat detector is configured to transmit the trigger signal to the controller in response to detection of unloading on the second member. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one electronic signal includes a cancellation signal, The controller is configured to cancel a command based on the stretch signal in response to the cancel signal before receiving the trigger signal. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 1, wherein The at least one electrical signal includes a retraction signal to shorten the length of the electrical seat post assembly. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 1, wherein The switch unit is constructed to provide a click feeling when the switch unit is operated. The electric seat post assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the first member includes a first tube, and The second member includes a second tube configured to be telescopically coupled to the first tube.

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